Merida Events: Films, Music, Art Openings

Valladolid Fiesta: October 15 through October 29
This fiesta is in honor of Cristo Rey (Christ the King). Look for leather goods, jewelry, clothing, and hammocks. This is also the land of the caballero, so horsemanship events and cattle shows will likely be on the agenda as well. For more, see Working Gringos’ article on Valladolid: Sultaness of the East. We might also note that, since that article, Valladolid has earned the great honor of being names one of Mexico’s Pueblos Magico, and even has its own bici-ruta (streets closed for bicycle riding on Sundays) and Valladolid Sundays (the equivalent of Merida en Domingo).

Izamal Fiesta: October 19 through October 31
This fiesta in honor of honor of Santo Cristo de Citilpech. Processions are related to trade associations, and especially to dairy workers. This city has been important to the Mayans continuously from the 4th century B.C. until today. This is the place where one can find a shrine to its founder, Itzamná, as well as a statue of Pope John Paul II. This really is a “must attend” fiesta in a “must visit” city.

Monday (Lunes) October 15, 2012

Exhibition: Colored Pencil Drawings
The artist is John Wallner and we have it on good authority that these drawings are excellent work. Go out to dinner at one of centro’s most beloved restaurants and enjoy artwork from one of Merida’s most successful expat illustrators. Location: Restaurant Amaro, Calle 59 x 60Time: During restaurant hours until the end of NovemberAdmission: Free

Tuesday (Martes) October 16 , 2012

Musical Comedy Theater: Lysistrata
This show is based on the original play Lysistrata, written by Aristophanes and originally performed in classical Athens in 411 BC. Tonight’s performance is by the State Theater Company and RIA Theater Company. The free adaptation and direction are by Ricardo Adrian. Location: Teatro Armando Manzanero, Calle 62 x 61 Time: 8:00 PM TuesdayAdmission: Free

Chelem: Open House Fundraiser
An open-house fundraiser will be held at the location of the new veterinary clinic being built in Chelém Puerto. Dr. Jeffrey Young of Planned Pethood International will speak about the Chelém Community Project and other details pertaining to the operation of the clinic that will be of interest to all the beach communities. There will be food, beverages and music to make for a fun and informative evening. Proceeds from the event will be presented to Dr. Young at the end of the evening and will go towards the new clinic. If you are in the area, please come and join the festivities! Location: Calle 15 #653, Chelém Puerto (take CocoLoco entrance, take the 2nd right, it is the 2nd place on left.)Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM TuesdayAdmission: $200 pesos

Concert: Alejandro Sanz
Another great popular singer, this time from Spain, comes to Merida this fall! The title of this tour is “La Musica No Se Toca” (The Music Is Not Played). Alejandro Sanz has won fifteen Latin Grammy awards, including three times for Best Album, more than any other Latin artist. He has also won three Grammy awards, and was the first Spanish artist to record an MTV Unplugged album. He is known for his flamenco-influenced ballads, but also experiments with other genres. Definitely worth seeing!! Here’s a song to whet your appetite…Location: Estadio Kukulcan, Circuito OrienteTime: 9:00 PM TuesdayAdmission: Tickets available at Hotel Conquistador and at ticketmaster.com.mxTicket Prices (in pesos): Diamond: $2,850, VIP: $1,900, Lower seats (orchestra level): $750, General: $400.

Wednesday (Miercoles) October 17, 2012

Lee Ritenour in Concert
Lee Ritenour is one of the United States’ most famous jazz guitar performers and composers. This event is in coordination with YAMAHA and the Merida Music Center S.A. de C.V. and is a unique opportunity. Don’t miss it!Preview Lee Ritenour Location: Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57 Time: 8:00 PM WednesdayAdmission: Free

Movie: Exit Through the Gift Shop
Originally released in April 2010, this documentary about Banksy, the famous but anonymous street artist, and the growth and flow of urban street culture and art, is a fascinating insight into that world. You can see the trailer here.Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, CentroTime: 9:00 PM WednesdayAdmission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students

Yamina in Concert
Acoustics and More! This performance is under the direction of Toni Vazquez. Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61 Time: 9:00 PM WednesdayAdmission: Free

Thursday (Jueves)October 18 , 2012

Annual Trade Expo at Siglo XXI October 18 through October 21
Come to the expo to discover great new products available for export from the Yucatan, including tire furniture and honey wine. If you can’t make it to the Fall Ticul Shoe Fair, not to worry because several shoemakers will have booths at this trade show as well.Location: Siglo XXI on the road to Progreso Time: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PMAdmission: Free

Movie: Anna Pavlova Lives in Berlin
A documentary about Anna Pavlova, a Berlin party queen who embodies all the contradictions and joys of the electro party world of Berlin. The film was released in June 2011 and has won various prizes. We’re pretty sure the movie will be in German with English (or Spanish?) subtitles. You can see the English film trailer here.Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, CentroTime: 9:00 PM ThursdayAdmission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students

Inauguration of the Exposition: Posada y Picheta
This showing consists of amazing Mexican engravings from two very famous artists who strongly influenced the genre in Mexico. Location: Salas One and Two in the Olimpo, Calle 61 x 62 Time: 8:00 PM ThursdayAdmission: Free

Visual Arts: III Edition of Morbido Merida
This graphics exhibition is part of the International Film Festival of Fantasy and Horror, all in the spirit of the Day of the Dead and Halloween.Location: Central Patio of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61, Centro Time: 6:00 PM ThursdayAdmission: Free

Music: Latin Song (Cancion Latina)
This is a performance by the wonderful Choir of the City of Merida. From now until the end of the year, we see several performances by this choir and each is unique and well worth attending… and need we remind you? it’s Free!Location: Auditorium of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61, Centro Time: 9:00 PM ThursdayAdmission: Free

Friday (Viernes) October 19, 2012

Movie: Una Película para Dirceu (A Film for Dirceu)
Dirceu Cieslinski is a young Brazilian who plays the accordion and has three big dreams: to be recognized in Brazil, to make a record and to make a film about his life. He contracts polio and is tied to a wheelchair for a year. But he recovers, and then takes a trip with filmmaker Ana Johann to record his life, including his road trips to play at parties and festivals, his music, his family, his interaction with the director and even their struggle to secure financing for the film. In Portuguese, probably with Spanish subtitles. See the trailer here.Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, CentroTime: 9:00 PM FridayAdmission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students

Contemporary Dance Gala: Vanity This is a performance by the Alsurdanza Contemporary Dance Company of the State of Yucatan. The dance company is under the direction of Milton Acereto and the choreography is by the very talented Victor Ruiz.Location: Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57Time: 9:00 PM FridayAdmission: Free

Raul Ornelas in Concert
This now-famous composer and expert performer is originally from Chiapas. It has been a long time since we have heard a smooth, romantic voice like this, and even longer since we’ve seen a songster with multiple songs on YouTube with more than a million views each! Preview Raul Ornelas on YouTube. Location:Teatro Daniel Ayala, Calle 60 x 61, Centro Time: 9:00 PM FridayAdmission: Tickets available at the box office

Saturday Talk at MEL: Pirates in Yucatan
Gonzalo Navarrete, one of the four Cronistas de la Ciudad talks about Pirates in Yucatan. Do you know about the cronistas? They are people paid by the State of Yucatan to discover, preserve and teach about the history of the Yucatan. Fascinating!! This is a unique chance to meet and hear from one of them!Location: Merida English Library, Calle 53 x 66Time: Saturday, 11 AMAdmission: Free

Workshop Experiment: Clown on a Tightrope
This is one of a series of science experiments taught each week by Maestro Wilbert Camara. The kids love every one of these workshops! Aren’t you wondering what this is about? Bring your kid and find out! Location: Centro Cultural Jose Marti / Parque de las Americas, Av. Colon x Calle 20, García Ginerés. Time: 12:00 PM SaturdayAdmission: Free (children over the age of 5)

Movie: Give Up Tomorrow
Originally premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2011, this movie “exposes a Kafkaesque extravaganza populated by flamboyantly corrupt public officials, drug dealers, cops on the take, and a frenzied legal and media circus. It is also an intimate family drama focused on the near mythic struggle of two angry and sorrowful mothers who have dedicated more than a decade to executing or saving one young man, Paco Larrañaga.” See the trailer here.Location: LA 68, Calle 68 at Calle 55, CentroTime: 9:00 PM SaturdayAdmission: $30 pesos, $15 pesos students.

Movie: A Thousand and One Nights
This movie features Aladdin, the Lamp and a pretty Sultan’s daughter. Unfortunately, there are versions from 1945 through 1974 and no mention was made of which version this might be. Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61Time: 7:00 PM SaturdayAdmission: Free (Adults only)

Sunday (Domingo) October 21, 2012

Video Documentary: Life Between the Water and the Mud
This is a close look at the various forms of life that live at the water’s edge.Location: Museum of Natural History, Calle 59 next to the Zoo.Time: 12:00 PM SundayAdmission: Free

Classical Dance: Mexican Watercolor
This tribute to dance is by the Classical Dance Company of Yucatan. This is one of the best dance companies in Mexico and part of what defines Merida as an international city of dance. Location: Teatro Jose Peon Contreras, Calle 60 x 57Time: 8:00 PM SundayAdmission: Free

Movie: That Obscure Object of Desire
(1977 USA) Director: Luis Bunuel. Stars: Fernando Rey, Carole Bouquet and Angela Molina. Just after boarding a train, much to the surprise of his fellow passengers, a man pours a bucket of water over a young girl on the platform. Over the next few hours he explains (and we see in flashback) how he became obsessed by her (so much so that he failed to notice that she was played by two different actresses, representing different sides of her personality), and how she tantalized him, but would never allow him to satisfy his desire for her.Location: Videosala of the Olimpo, Calle 62 x 61 Time: 11:00 AM SundayAdmission: Free, Adolescents and Adults only

Merida en Domingo Has Grown
While Merida en Domingo is listed on our Ongoing Events page, we would like to note that there are two additions to this day of family entertainment that should be noted. We hope everyone enjoys these added opportunities!Event: Ball Room Dancing, to the sounds of the Banda del Ayuntamiento de Ciudad de Merida. For those of you who think you are pretty good at ball room dancing, there is a ball room dancing festival and conference in Merida every year so practice while you have the opportunity. Location: In Front of the Municipal Palace, Calle 62 x 61Time: 6:00 PM SundayAdmission: FreeEvent: Merida en Domingo Expansion – shows for the entire familyLocation:Parque de las Americas, Av. Colon x Calle 20, García GinerésTime: 6:00 PM SundayAdmission: Free

Guelaguetza Dance
The beautiful, flamboyant and distinctive Oaxacan dance will be performed in the park to end the Oaxacan fair. The dancers will be accompanied by a live band… this is an event you’ll want to put on your calendar and be sure not to miss!!Location: Parque de la Paz, Av. Itzaes x Calle 59Time: Sunday, 6:00 PMAdmission: Free

Bird Photography and Drawing Contest: “Unidos por la aves”
Submit photos and drawings at Costco from September 24 through October 31. Winners will be announced at the opening of the Bird-a-Thon on November 23rd at 7:00 PM at the Central Building of UADY (Calle 60 # 491-A x 56, Merida Centro. This contest is open to children, young people, the general public and specialized photographers. The main objective is to promote knowledge, appreciation and conservation of birds in Yucatan and, at the same time, to promote a local market for bird watching. Learn More on the Festival de las Aves TOH 2012 website.

XII International Choir Festival of Yucatan: Oct. 23 – 28

This festival will include performances by guest choirs from Uruguay, Venezuela, Colombia and Mexico. In addition to singing in Merida, they will also tour and perform throughout the other municipalities. More information will be added as information comes in.

Ticul Fall Shoe Fair: October 26 through November 4
This fair is later and shorter than usual, so do try to set aside the time to make it there. Approximately 50 shoe factories will be represented at the fair.

AFAR Art Opening: October 26
Soho Galleries opens a new show, with art from afar… Paris, London, D.F., Oaxaca and Havana. Put it on your calendar and plan to come! Always a gala affair!

Hotel Zamna Merida: Going South: October 28
It’s time for the 2012 – 2013 season to begin at Hotel Zamna in Merida! Where else are you going to find a multiple course dinner, much laughter, many friends and a now famous Zamna prize quiz with really great prizes for the winners? This month, the title of the evening is Going South.Location: Hotel Zamna, Calle 53 #547, Barrio de Santiago, Merida Centro Time: Party Starts at 7:30 PM to 11:30 PMAdmission: $135 pesos. This is a tickets only, three course dinner event due to catering requirements. Tickets are on sale now from Hotel Zamna reception. Limit: 34 guests. For more information Call: 999-924-0103

Second Annual Merida IWC Halloween Party October 30
Costume and Dance Contests, Rock n’ Roll, FUSBOXX. Everyone is invited! Tickets include botanas, ½ chicken or arrachera sandwich, fries, and a drink.Location: Hennessey’s Irish Pub on Paseo de MontejoTime: Party Starts at 7:30 PMAdmission: $200 pesos in advance. Tickets available at all IWC functions, Merida English Library or from admin [at] iwcmerida [dot] org.

Mexican Novemberfest Dinner & Quiz Sunday Nov. 25
Three course Mexican & German menu, followed by the Novemberfest Quiz. Laughter all the way!
strong>Location: Hotel Zamna, Cale 53 #547, Barrio de Santiago, Merida Centro Time: Party Starts at 7:00 PMAdmission: $135 pesos. This is a tickets only dinner event due to catering requirements. Tickets are on sale now from Hotel Zamna reception. Limit: 36 guests. For more information Call: 999-924-0103

Bow Wow Palooza (Evolución’s Halloween Party): Wednesday, October 31
The Shops at La Maison Bleue & Talented Bitches are holding a Howl-o-Ween Party for the Dogs of Evolución. The evening will include Comedy by Mel Blossom, music, local art, a costume contest, shopping, delicious food and drinks by Cafe Crème, Thai Flash and other local vendors. At the end of the party, everyone will be off to Hennessy’s Irish Pub to finish the evening in style! Location: Calle 41 x 58 y 60, Santa Ana Time: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PMAdmission: $100 pesos. Food & drinks not included in admission. Email allison [at] elestudio41 [dot] com to reserve your tickets.

Purpura Plastika Open House and Art Sale, Monday, November 5, 2012
You are cordially invited to visit Purpura Plastika at their first interactive center for art therapy and human development workshops and offices. They now have their own space to conduct their different workshops for children and adults. Location: Calle 47, 268 B X 38 Corner. Col. Benito Juarez Norte Directions: North on Prolongacion Paseo de Montejo,
Right at Calle 47 which is one block past Calle 49/ Av. Camara de Comercio.
Continue on Calle 47 to the corner of Calle 38. Their center (white house) is in a residential neighborhood. Park on any of the streets at this intersection.Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PMAdmission:Free

Feria Yucatan at Xmatkuil: November 9 through December 2
This year, there will be more than 1,000 exhibitors and 1,800 artistic, sporting, cultural and recreational events for all ages. The fair provides space for commercial and business activity, while maintaining a family atmosphere. The main attractions will be the rides, the Atayde Brothers Circus, the Robotic Zoo, the Dolphinarium, the Extreme Magic Show and 4-D films. Entrance to these attractions ranges from $10 to $15 pesos. There will be free shows in El Teatro del Pueblo, as well as events in Palenque, the Lienzo Charro, the Pista de Calificaciones and the Plaza Monumental. Location: at the Xmatkuil Fairgrounds , Calle 50 south of the city. Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM Admission: Entrance: $15 pesos per person, Parking: $30 pesos

Concert + Intervention: Philip Glass + James Turrell – November 14, 2012
All funds will be donated to a foundation dedicated to preserve the Maya culture. After the concert, there will be a cocktail for all attendees. Location: Amphitheater of Hacienda OchilTime: TBAAdmission: $4,000 pesos

Tennis XXVI Yucatan Cup: November 19 –24
This is a Junior’s Tennis Tournament, sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation. If you love watching tennis, this is for you!Location: Club Campestre de Yucatan, A.C. Calle 30 Diagonal #500, Col. Mexico, MeridaTime: Yet to be announcedAdmission: Yet to be announcedVisit the ITF Yucatan Cup website

Third Jose Jacinto Cuevas National and International Piano Competition: November 24 to December 1
Contestants in this competition are all world class pianists. Never miss even one of these performances! We even recommend the practice sessions! Be sure to be there on November 30, where you will be able to watch the three best of the best pianists compete for this award, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra of Yucatan. Location: Yet to be announcedTime: Yet to be announcedAdmission: Yet to be announced

Arte a Mano Show by AANY: December 1 & 2
Mark your calendars for the Yucatan Peninsula’s best show of handmade arts & crafts! This show is in its fourth wonderful year now, and features reasonably-priced handmade items by many different artisans. You can buy everything from handmade knives to baskets, sculptures, jewelry… the list goes on. More details to follow soon!Location: CANACO Center off Avenida Itzaes (same place as last year)Time: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, both daysAdmission: Yet to be announced